Myron h



( Model.)

M. 11. FULLER.

'- FORK.

No. 530,892. Patented Dec. 11; 1894..

W-ilgcsscs E E I I dfidwmfi E If: j I I I a I UNITED STAT S PAT NT OFFICE.

MYRON H. FULLER, OF PHELPS, ASSIGNOR TO THE CLIFTON SPRINGS MANU- FAOTURING COMPANY, OF MANCHESTER, NEW ORK.

FORK.-

I SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 5 30,892, dated December 11, 1 894.

Application filed March 19, 1894.- Serial No. 504,272. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that LMYRON H.FULLER, acitizen of the United States, residing at Phelps, in the county of Ontario and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Fork, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is specifically related to that class of forks which are provided with a removable plate or shield, whereby the fork may be converted into a shovel capable of being used as such; and the primary object of the invention is to so improve the construction of these devices that they maybe applied with greater ease and facility, and when so applied will be more efficient and durable.

A further object is to provide an improved device for fastening the plate to the fork, and one whereby the fastening will be as rigid and secure as possible. a

To these ends the invention consists of certain improved features of construction which will be described in detail hereinafter and finally embodied in the claim.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a fork having my invention applied. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the plate detached. Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken through the points of the fork tines and showing myimprovements in place. Fig. 4. is a similar section taken through the tines of the fork at a point near thehandle and with the plate also in position. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of. the securing device, showing the handle of the fork and a portion of the plate in dotted lines. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the fork and plate.

The reference letter'a indicates the handle of a stable-fork, and b the tines, which are secured to the handle by means of the ferrule c, and which may be of any preferred construction.

The shield or plate is preferably formed of galvanized sheet metal, and consists of a straight front portion d, extending across the points of the tines b, and the main flanges or body-portion e, which extend around the sides and back of the fork. The front portion dis formed of awelt of sheet metal bent over the top and bottom of the points of the tines. The bond of the front portion is made as below the plane of sharp as practicable, thereby forming an edge which facilitates the'use of the attachment.

Secured to the ends of the front portion 01, and projecting rea'rwardly therefrom and parallel with the Side tines of the fork, are the side portions of the body of the plate, which side portions begin on a horizontal plane and gradually turn until they assume an inclination of about forty-five degrees. These parts also increase in width to an extent which will make them about three times as wide as the front portion. The body-portion or main flange 6 may be formed of an integral piece of metal,or, if so desired, may be formed in two sections and joined at the rear end by rivets, as at g. The latter mode is preferred.

a The main portion of the flange is provided with the notch h, which is semi-circular in shape and which is adapted for the reception of the handle a, whereby the plate is secured in place; and the lower edges of the plate are so formed at the points i that they will pass the tines and engage the bar t" at its ends. In this position the flange is retained by means of a fastening device which consists of a rearwardly-exten ding stud k, secured to the flange at a pointjust above the handle and provided with the eye Z. This eye is engaged by the straight portion of the hook m, and such device, hook m, is curved at its lower end so as to embrace the fork handle, while its upper end is provided with the nut m, adapted to bear against the stud k and to draw the same, and consequently the plate, down. By this means the plate is drawn down and made to firmly engage the handle while the portions 2' of the plate are made to pass below the bar a" and to bind thereagainst.

It will be seen that upon applying pressure to the stud k the plate will operate as a lever, with its fulcrum at the notch h, thus causing the front plate or portion d to press upwardly and making it engage the points of the tines with a force suflicient to hold the plate rigidly and prevent rattling of the parts.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that by means of my attachment a fork may be used to a much greater advantage than ordinarily, enabling matter to be lifted with ease which could not otherwise be handled. It will also be seen that the plate may be removed at will whenever it may be desired to use the fork for purposes where the plate will not be useful. All of this is, however, understood and needs no further description.

The plate may be formed of various materials, those preferred being galvanized iron and black sheet iron.

I contemplate using my attachment in connection with forks having different numbers of tines, and the possibility of this will be un derstood, since the welt d will readily receive any number.

Having described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent- A removable shovelblade for forks, consisting of a front portion adapted for the reception of the points of the tines, and having side and rear plates rigidly secured thereto, said side and rear plates being disposed approximate] y vertical and extending from the sides of the tines upwardly therefrom, the lower edge of the rear plate being adapted to engage the handle of the fork, and an arm secured to the plate adjacent to the handle and, projecting rearwardly from the plate, said arm being connected to the handle, whereby the rear plate is drawn down tightly against the handle and made to bind thereagainst, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto aifixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

MYRON H. FULLER.

Witnesses:

WM. MATHER, IDA M. WILSON. 

